Iraq bans Russian military overflights to Syria

Faced with heavy pressure from Washington, Baghdad banned Russian military aircrafts from flying through Iraqi airspace, hence blocking Moscow’s airlift to its Khmeimim Air Base in Latakia, Syria, Debkafile reports. Sources say Washington used its clout with Iraq to curtail Russia’s buildup in Syria ahead of an anticipated operation by Assad and his allies to retake Idlib, as well as to possibly clear the way for U.S. military action in Syria.